Evelyn Anderson, 85, of Marion, passed away Nov. 3, 2010, at St. Luke Living Center after a lengthy and courageous battle with cancer.
Born Sept. 4, 1925, Evelyn was raised on a farm and spent her childhood in the Strassburg community. She graduated from Marion High School in 1943. After graduation, she worked at Kansas State Bank in Wichita until 1946, when she married local farmer Stanley Anderson and moved back to Marion.
Evelyn worked for the county treasurer’s office for seven years until accepting a position with Marion National Bank. She was employed by the bank for 35 years until her retirement in 1990.
After retiring, Evelyn and Stanley built a new home on their farm outside of Marion. Evelyn took great pride in maintaining her home and always welcomed visits from family and friends.
Evelyn was an involved member of her church, Valley United Methodist, and remained active in 20th Century and other local organizations until her death.
Evelyn’s greatest joy was spending time with family and friends. She particularly enjoyed attending her grandchildren’s activities and rarely missed an event. A favorite hobby was bragging about her grandchildren at coffee and lunch with friends.
Although Evelyn battled cancer the last five years of her life, she courageously faced every challenge, and maintained a positive outlook. She remained a caring, upbeat person devoted to her family, friends, and faith. While receiving cancer treatments in Marion and Newton, she befriended caregivers and fellow patients. Despite her declining health, she continued to live fully, attending her grandchildren’s graduations and her granddaughter’s wedding this summer in Florida.
Evelyn again showed her unwavering determination when she was hospitalized in Newton on her 85th birthday. Not expected to survive the weekend, she rallied and returned home to the Marion community whose comfort and support sustained her throughout her final days.
Evelyn was preceded in death by her husband, Stanley Anderson, and her parents, Karl and Tillie (Hajek) Vogel.
She is survived by her children, Sandy Jackson and husband Roger of Topeka and Sharon Self and husband Larry of Wichita; her grandchildren, Stacy (Jackson) Ehlers and husband Jon of Jefferson City, Mo., Devin Jackson of Manhattan, John Eric Self of Manhattan, and Katie Self of Wichita; sister Coleen Myers and husband Jay of Overland Park; as well as many nieces, nephews, and close friends.
Visitation was 4 to 6 p.m., Sunday, at Zeiner Funeral Home, Marion.
Services were 10:30 a.m. Monday, at Valley United Methodist Church, Marion.
Interment at Marion Cemetery followed the service.
Memorials have been established with Valley United Methodist Church, 300 E Santa Fe St, Marion, KS 66861 and St. Luke Hospital and Living Center, 535 S Freeborn St, Marion, KS 66861.